Accurate Path Loss Prediction Using a Neural Network Ensemble Method

Path loss is one of the most important factors affecting base-station positioning in cellular networks. Traditionally, to determine the optimal installation position of a base station, path-loss measurements are conducted through numerous field tests. Disadvantageously, these measurements are time-consuming. To address this problem, in this study, we propose a machine learning (ML)-based method for path loss prediction. Specifically, a neural network ensemble learning technique was applied to enhance the accuracy and performance of path loss prediction. To achieve this, an ensemble of neural networks was constructed by selecting the top-ranked networks based on the results of hyperparameter optimization. The performance of the proposed method was compared with that of various ML-based methods on a public dataset. The simulation results showed that the proposed method had clearly outperformed state-of-the-art methods and that it could accurately predict path loss.